Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre 10 – 16 January 2016

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Towering line-up set for Sydney

17 November 2013

By apiainternational.com

Australian No.1 Bernard Tomic today confirmed he will defend his Apia International Sydney title at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre from 5 to 11 January 2014.

It will be a tall order for the 21-year-old Queenslander to repeat last year’s triumph as he faces a spectacular line-up that includes Grand Slam champion and world No.5 Juan Martin del Potro and Wimbledon semifinalist and world No.21 Jerzy Janowicz.

“Winning Sydney really changed me and made me feel that I can win these tournaments. I’m really looking forward to coming back and having a shot at defending my title,” Tomic said. “I like those moments that come in tournaments when you know you have to prove something and I feel that when the time comes I can play good tennis again in Sydney,” he added.

The trio announced today each stand over 6’5” and represent the new generation of men’s tennis with powerful strokes made possible by their tall frames.

Tomic acknowledged it won’t be an easy undertaking to defend his maiden ATP World Tour title with such a quality field assembled in 2014.

“There are good players confirmed for Sydney and I’ve got to be ready. I think it will be much more difficult this time and I’ve got to prepare well so I can do exactly the same thing I did this year,” continued Tomic, who is currently ranked just outside the top 50.

Apia International Sydney Tournament Director Craig Watson is thrilled to have such a strong line-up committed for the Sydney event.

“The line-up announced today speaks to the quality of tennis on offer at the Apia International Sydney and we are excited to have Bernard return to defend his title against an exceptionally strong field led by Grand Slam Champion and world No. 5 Juan Martin,” Watson said.

“Securing our defending champion and top 10 talent to play Apia International Sydney 2014 was important for the event. These guys are the new generation of the men’s tennis and Sydney fans are in for an exciting week of big-hitting tennis from the towering line-up of players announced today,” Watson added.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris said: “The NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, is proud to support the Apia International Sydney, one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the world, running since 1885.

“I urge the public not to miss what promises to be a spectacular event, a highlight of which will be the return of Australian hopeful Bernard Tomic to defend his title at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre,” Souris added.

Minister for Sport and Recreation, Gabrielle Upton said: “The Apia International Sydney is a prestigious sporting event, which attracts elite athletes from around the globe. I congratulate the organisers for putting together such an impressive field of top players.

“I have no doubt it will be a great spectacle for tennis fans and help create a lasting legacy for grassroots tennis in Australia,” Upton added.

Top ranked Argentine del Potro returns to Sydney after a one-year hiatus coming off a stellar 2013 where he won titles in Basel, Tokyo, Washington and Rotterdam.

“It’s an amazing event and when I last played Sydney I had a fantastic season. The facilities are really good for all the players and I’m excited to be playing the tournament again in 2014,” del Potro said.

The popular 25-year-old climbed back into the world’s top five qualifying for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals for the fourth consecutive year.

“I know the fans like when I hit my forehand really strong. I like to share moments with the crowd and in Sydney the fans create a great atmosphere for the players,” he added.

Rising star Janowicz expressed his enthusiasm to play the Sydney event for the first time where hot conditions will prepare him well for the first Grand Slam of the year.

“I think Sydney will be really good preparation for the Australian Open, first of all because the weather is really warm there, like in Melbourne and the time difference is exactly the same, so I think the preparation will be perfect for me,” Janowicz said.

The 6’8” Polish powerhouse proved he has top 10 potential reaching the semi-finals at Wimbledon and with a serve that packs a punch he established himself as rising star on the men’s tour in 2013.

Apia International Sydney 2014, proudly supported by Apia in association with Volkswagen and The NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, will take place at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre from 5 to 11 January 2014.

Apia International Sydney single session tickets and series packages are now available. One ticket provides access to every court with prices starting from just $20 for adults and $10 for children.